Featured in the Arizona Republic

We are so excited to be featured in the article in the Arizona Republic called "Rediscover Yuma."  

The YC is Eco-Friendly!

by Melissa Crawford

The Yuma Cabana Motel has joined the green bandwagon, and slowly but surely, is doing things to make the business and your lodging experience more environmentally friendly.

I was motivated by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia and author of a riveting business book entitled "Let My People Go Surfing." I am fascinated by his business model. He is not out to be the "biggest" and make the most money, and yet his company does tremendously well. He is most significantly a pioneer in green business making, and the world should follow suit. One question I asked him was, "You speak about how operating a "green" business saves money, but becoming green for an existing company can be quite expensive. How do I turn green without going broke?" He said, 'Don't go broke going green." His message was to do it little by little, as each small step makes a big difference.

The Green Plan
We asked our employees and got their suggestions. Here's what we have come up with so far: (1) A Recycling and Re-Use program for the Front Desk, Maintenance and Housekeeping departments; (2) Creating overall less waste; (3) Call on our guests to help us use less water in the laundry by posting in all the rooms a request that you hang your towels for re-use, and drop on the floor if you want us to launder them; (4) The YC only uses fluorescent light bulbs.

• YC TRAVELTIP: Do your part to help the environment and save water and electricity when traveling. Hang your towels up that you can use again, and turn off the lights!

Swim in Soft Water
Probably the most noticeable effort so far is the swimming pool. We have done away with harsh chemicals and are now using salt to purify the pool. We have implemented a natural process whereby table salt is converted to chlorine. The health department approves this wholeheartedly. A "saltwater" pool is not chlorine-free, it's just that the germ/bacteria killing agent is produced naturally, without superficial chemicals. Better for you, better for the environment. I think we are the only salt-water pool in Yuma, and definitely the first!

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Look for hotels that have salt water pools. They are environmentally friendly, feel better to swim in, and kill bacteria just like chlorinated pools.

You know that feeling after swimming in a chlorinated pool of wanting to wash it off your skin right away, and you smell, well, bleachy? During my recent I had such a wonderful dip in the pool, and swam laps. I haven't gone swimming in the YC pool in a long time because I do not like the chlorine. This was a wonderful experience. My skin and hair felt soft, and it was a great way to exercise. This is the method that all the expensive spas and hotels are now using in their pools. So, you get a $400 per night experience for as little as $37! Beat that!

Dove Season

by Guest Blogger Lisa

When it comes to Dove Season, two words come to mind: "What??? Doves???"

Yes, Doves! Starting September 1st, Yuma County explodes with hunters from all over trying their best to land their daily quota. I know what you are thinking. Those poor little birds. I know, I know, I've been there too. But after living here for as long as I have, I'm beginning to understand why.

You see, in beginning around the start of summer, you find doves in the trees, on the streets, hopping around. They are gathering around yards when sprinklers go off. We won't mention what happens to cars when they wish to park in the shade of said trees. But as each day leads to the next, the numbers grow, and grow, and grow. Much like any other hunting season, the County is after population control.

So, for the first couple of weeks in September, if you drive down past most of the motels and hotels in Yuma, Arizona, you will see tables set up outside. You might even see feathers in the parking lots if the hunters had a good day. You will definitely see neighborhood cats skulking around. The cats aren't limited to only catching them out in the county! (*wink*wink*)

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Clean your catch outside on the tables provided to avoid making a mess in your room!

Many cultures eat doves. In fact, they are delicacies. Here, the local paper publishes tried and true recipes from around town. And if I do say so myself, prepared properly, they are quite tasty. One of the perks to working at the Yuma Cabana is that some of the hunters end up having more birds than space, and they have been known to gift their extras to the employees.

If you happen to find yourself in and around Yuma during the beginning of September and wonder why there is so much traffic, and you hear gun shots off in the distance - never fear! It's not the Military training, it's just the hunters - doing their part to keep our cars clean for the rest of the year.

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Historic Yuma Territorial Prison, Yuma Arizona

I have three words for you: The Dark Cell. I visited the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park in the early morning to get there before the crowds and the heat. Surprisingly, I was the only one there, and the heat was pretty evident. It definitely slowed me down. The weather was about 90 with 40% humidity, so it felt like 100 or so. I've been here in July and August when the temperature has climbed to 122, so I guess was lucky! But I must say, I would not want to be in a 9' by 12' cell, shared with three other convicts during the summer in Yuma without A/C!

• YC TRAVEL TIP: When visiting the historic Yuma Territorial Prison, arrive early to beat the crowds and beat the heat! Plan to stay about one hour.
  

There was no really famous outlaw housed there, but the museum is still quite interesting. Most of the convicts were "infamous" outlaws and committed crimes like murder, manslaughter, burglary and grand larceny. Criminals were native Mexicans, Indians, cowboys, women and "the insane." A handful received the order of death, and were hanged publicly. The actual cells and walls were built from granite mined by the prisoners, right there on site, and from homemade adobe bricks. Iron was ferried in along the Colorado River, which abuts the prison.

Some prisoners smuggled in drugs. Clippings from the local newspaper indicated they used morphine, opium and marijuana. Marijuana was described as a "loco-weed" more powerful than opium. Several attempted escapes, and some prisoners died while serving their sentences....one of a snake bite! After learning that, I decided against the walk down the trail to the river when I saw the warning about dangerous insects and reptiles. Don't miss the cheesy photo op hidden in the corner of the museum building. You get to dress up like a prisoner, hold a number and shoot next to the original prison mirror with your own camera.

Touring the cells takes you back to prison life in the 1800s, but The Dark Cell is the highlight. It was used for the "incorrigible" prisoners, sort of as solitary confinement. I just walked right in, not even considering that it might creep me out and I was immediately struck by the energy of fear and the history of pain. I could almost hear the screams (seriously). I walked through the first threshold nonchalantly, and noticed the second threshold, which was very dark, and black, and it went back like a cave. I actually turned around and ran back out! I was glad no one else was there to see me make a fool of myself. I had hair standing up on end! I challenge you to walk all the way to the back of the cell...alone.

Viva Los Algodones! Travel Tips for Visiting Mexico from Yuma

by Guest Blogger C.J. Crawford

Los Algodones is a small Mexican border town is located just minutes from Yuma and many travelers come from other states in the U.S. to take advantage of some of the services that are offered in this neighboring town.

EASY DIRECTIONS: Getting there is easy from the Yuma Cabana. Exit our driveway and turn right on 4th Avenue. Follow 4th Avenue about 2 miles and then turn left onto Interstate 8 (West). Stay on Interstate 8 for about 5 miles and exit at Algodones Road. Turn left at the top of the off ramp on Algodones Road and follow it about a mile to the Mexican border. Right before you get to the border, you can turn right in to a parking lot (owned and operated by a local Indian tribe) and pay for parking. Then just walk over the border. Once you cross over the border you'll have fun walking around and exploring the shops. Everything is within a few blocks so you won't need a car or taxi. 

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Flat rubber-soled shoes are recommended.
  

PASSPORT REQUIRED: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (click here to see official posting) requires everyone traveling to Mexico (and also Canada, Central & South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda) to hold a valid passport if they are traveling by sea or air. This extends to all border crossings, even by land. You need a passport with you to walk over the border from Algodones and to walk back across the border from Mexico.

CUSTOMS: If you are planning on purchasing any medications in quantity (more than a month's supply) please stop by the U.S. Customs office before going in to Mexico. Speak to a supervisor and find out exactly how much of your medications you will be allowed to carry back. Also, if you are buying for anyone else other than for yourself, watch out! Technically, you are not allowed to buy medications even for your spouse. (I found this out the hard way. I bought a family member a year's supply of asthma medicine and then ended up being sent into the interrogation room! It was not fun). You can find the U.S. Customs Service fine print here.

• YC TRAVEL TIP: When buying medicine at the pharmacies, check the pricing at several different stores. The prices do vary.

SHOPPING: Be cautious about buying famous brands like "Rolex" watches. Because they are likely counterfeit to begin with, you technically shouldn't bring them back in to the USA. However before I knew this I purchased several pairs of "Oakley" sunglasses for about $8 each and carried them over with out any problem. Usually, the customs people just wave you through. (By the way, the sunglasses ended up being junk and were a waste of money).

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Bargain! Bargain! Bargain! Never pay full price for the stuff the vendors want to sell you. Offering them low prices is part of the fun of being in Mexico.

EATING & DRINKING: Should you eat in the Mexican restaurants? I've eaten in a couple different Algodones restaurants when I was younger but now I'm more cautious. I eat before I go to Mexico. Have no fear drinking bottled beverages: beer, soda. Just don't pour it over ice. And don't drink the water. WARNING: Restrooms are hard to find, so plan ahead.

DENTAL & EYE CARE SERVICES: Many travelers have told us that they saved thousands of dollars by having their dental work done in Mexico while they stay at Yuma Cabana. Many of the dentists have state-of-the-art equipment, training and charge only a fraction of what similar work would cost in the USA.

Last time I checked, you can get a computerized eye exam for $10 or you can pay $39 for a pair of prescription glasses with the eye examination & glaucoma test included at no extra charge. Shop around for the best deal. If you can't wait for 2 hours for your glasses to be ready, they can mail them to you in the USA.

• YC TRAVEL TIP: To find the best service provider, get a recommendation from a friend.

DISCLAIMER: VISIT MEXICO AT YOUR OWN RISK. The Yuma Cabana Motel and the Yuma Cabana Blog has not formed any opinion and does not make any recommendations as to any kind of medical or dental treatment in Mexico (or USA) and does not assume any responsibility for any recommendations, opinions or advice that may be contained in these postings. By reading these postings, you waive any claim against Yuma Cabana Motel and the Yuma Cabana Blog for anything having to do with your visit to Mexico! So remember, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH, talk to your friends, and DO NOT RELY on the information presented here. Having said all that, we appreciate hearing from those who would like to share their experiences in Algodones. Thanks!

It's the Economy Stupid

The Yuma Sun reports that Yuma County is following the rest of the State of Arizona in the economic downturn. The reports of the increasing numbers of people unemployed are a bit daunting, and the housing market continues to decline.

Is there any good news? Some suggest the federal stimulus package holds out hope for more jobs in Arizona, up to 70,000, and banks receiving money will help stimulate lending and home buying again.

The good news for the Yuma Cabana Motel is we have not had to reduce our workforce, and have been able to fill employment vacancies as they arise. We seem to be surviving pretty well considering the downturn. Our goal is to keep our employees working, and at the same time keep our prices low for our guests.

We are taking appropriate measures to save where we can without cutting corners in the quality of products and services we provide. We have been implementing eco-friendly policies for a while now, which is even more important during this downturn in the economy because these policies help us save. We ask our guests to help us save by reducing unnecessary laundry and cut back on electricity by turning out the lights.

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Shop for a room like you would any other purchase. Drive by, look inside and see what you get for the money. You will be pleasantly surprised by what the Yuma Cabana has to offer for the price. It truly is hard to believe!
  

The fact that our price points are much lower than the newly constructed chain hotels is helping bring more price conscious business our way. We encourage you to drive by, check out one of our rooms before you decide - and see the value for yourself. Many of our guests, once they discover us, are so pleased to have found such a great place to stay at a fraction of the cost of other rooms in town, they wonder why they have been paying so much elsewhere, for essentially the same product. In addition, our stellar customer service and 100% satisfaction guarantee policy attracts customers and keeps them coming back.

Thank you for your continued and dedicated business. It is you that keeps us going and helps us do our part in keeping Yuma employed!

What is Yuma Cabana's Price Beat Guarantee?

To put it simply, our value cannot be beat! The Yuma Cabana Motel is a leader in price consciousness in Yuma, Arizona. This is the first ever PRICE-BEAT guarantee policy in all of Yuma. The YC strives to do whatever it can to keep business sound, and yet offer the best value possible. Even though the YC offers so much more for the price than some other properties listed below, the YC is very conscious of the need to keep prices as low as possible during this economic downturn. So take advantage of the best rates ever, undoubtedly making the YC the best value in all of Yuma, Arizona! (Please note: The Price Beat Guarantee does not apply during special events, to weekly rates and cannot be combined with any other discounts.)

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Join the YC Blog to keep track of our periodic specials and coupons. You can also follow the YC on Twitter!

How does Yuma Cabana’s Price–Beat Guarantee work?
If you find a lower price anywhere else in Yuma at another AAA rated establishment, the YC will not only match that price, but lower it by $1.00! Guaranteed!

How do I know which establishments are AAA rated?
Please check AAA’s website or consult its “Tourbook.” As of the date of this publication, the following establishments in Yuma, Arizona are rated by AAA:

One Diamond Rated
Motel 6 Yuma East

Two Diamond Rated
Yuma Cabana Motel
Best Western Coronado
Comfort Inn
Days Inn
Howard Johnson
Microtel
Oak Tree Inn
Quality Inn Airport
Shilo Inn
Yuma Super 8

Three Diamond Rated
Best Western Innsuites
Clarion
Fairfield Inn
Hampton Inn
Holiday Inn/Express
La Fuente
Radisson
Springhill
Towneplace
Wingate

Are there any establishments not rated by AAA that you will price-beat?
Yes! Even though AAA offers comfort to guests that a certain minimum quality and standard has been met, there is competition from other non-AAA rated properties that are part of a chain. As such, as an exception to the rule, the YC will price-beat the following chain properties that are not AAA rated as of the date of this publication:

Knights Inn
Ramada
Rodeway
Travelodge

How do I prove the rate at another establishment is lower?
The YC keeps abreast of the best rates for you, and generally the YC's rates already beat everyone else, and in most cases are much, much lower than the properties listed in the Price-Beat Guarantee policy. If you know of a rate that is lower than the YC, let the front desk know and it will be verified for you at the time of booking by calling the property to confirm. However, if you are referring to an internet special rate, the front desk clerks will not, and cannot verify this for you. You must bring a printout from the properties’ website (not a third party website) with you at the time of check-in for the dates in question. (Third party rates are not accepted. Please see what is not included in our price-beat below). Most properties differentiate between 1 and 2 bed rates. The YC will match any 1 bed rate for a 1 bed room at the Yuma Cabana Motel, or a 2 bed rate for a 2 bed room at the Yuma Cabana Motel, subject to availability.

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Join the YC Blog to keep track of our periodic specials and coupons. You can also follow the YC on Twitter!

What is not included in the Price-Beat Guarantee?
The YC will not price-beat any properties not listed in AAA, and not listed as an exception in the policy as an acceptable chain for the price-match guarantee. The YC will not price-beat any third party advertisement or third-party internet price (i.e. hotels.com, yahoo, expedia, etc.) All internet special rates offered by another properties’ website must be verified by the front desk clerk at the time of booking by bringing a printed page from the properties’ website with the rate for the dates in question. The front desk clerks cannot check internet rates for you. The YC cannot price-beat on our Suites as there are only four and they are extra large one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, incomparable to any other hotel room. But, the rates on the suites still remain quite low. The YC charges extra for pets, roll-a-ways, and adjoining kitchens. All rates are subject to tax. The price beat policy does not apply during special events, does not apply to weekly rates, and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Beat the Heat!

During the summer, traveling to Yuma can still be very pleasant, if you take precautions to beat the heat. This is really a very serious issue, because overheating can cause health problems faster than you might think, or even realize. When temperatures get in the triple digits, you need to plan ahead to make sure you hydrate, much more than normal.

If you arrive in Yuma via airplane, you need to pay even more attention - because you are suddenly transported to a very dry, hot environment - AND you probably have suffered from some dehydration during flight. It's a double whammy!

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Start hydrating before you begin travel by drinking extra water. My favorite brand of water is SMART water, because it contains electrolytes. For whatever reason I actually notice SMART water keeps me feeling great in Yuma.

Don't make my mistake! I have arrived in Yuma already dehydrated from the flight. I race to the motel, unpack and go to the grocery store to stock up for my stay. (I go to Frye's right down the street). While shopping in Frye's, I start to feel dizzy, and nauseous. It took a couple of times of this experience to realize I was suffering from some serious onset of dehydration, and if the matter isn't dealt with immediately, I guarantee you will end up in ER. So...even though it seems completely counter-intuitive, DRINK WATER. Lots of it, too. When you feel nauseous, the LAST thing you really want to do, is ingest anything. But, if you do drink water, right at that moment that you start feeling funky, it only takes about 15 minutes to start feeling better. Really. Suddenly you feel better, and realize how stupid you have been to have forgotten to drink water all along!

The desert heat is a killer, and you just need to keep your awareness level up. The weird thing is, you NEVER see the locals drinking water. It is just crazy. But their bodies are acclimated to the heat, UNLIKE yours.

• YC TRAVEL TIP: Drink lots of water BEFORE you start feeling ill, and your trip will be much more enjoyable. If you make a mistake, and start feeling nauseous, force some water down RIGHT AWAY, and within a few minutes, you will feel better again.

WARNING: I am not a medical doctor, and I am just sharing my personal experience while traveling to the desert. If you are experiencing health issues, please seek the treatment of a medical professional!